Five-year experience with exercise stress testing in a family practice program.

OBJECTIVE

This study describes the implementation of exercise stress testing at a family practice residency program, looking at safety and the feasibility of having family practice faculty serve as instructors.

METHODS

Results from the first 5 years of testing were collected, and residency graduates were polled about their experience with treadmill testing during and after residency.

RESULTS

A total of 202 treadmill tests were performed, all without serious complications. Family practice faculty provided the instruction. One quarter of graduates were performing treadmill tests in their practices, and most of the others felt the training was beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

It is both feasible and safe for family practice faculty to provide training in exercise treadmill testing to residents.